Sunday, March 27, 2011

Reading for Lent

I have a new co-worker, Preston Stone, who learned Coptic just so he could read the Scripture and other books in that Egyptian language. He's a serious reader. He is reading all of the Divine Comedy for Lent--three Cantos per day for 33 days, then seven to catch up when he gets behind.

Just before Lent I talked to my kids about what they were giving up for Lent. Lauren is giving up sweets for 40 days. Lisa is eating Vegan for Lent. Preston convinced me that rather than give up something, I could do something. So on the train back and forth to Philadelphia, before I start working I read the Gospel of John in French and Greek. I got a parallel Gospel of John in Paris with Greek on the left page and French on the right. Since my vocabulary is spotty in both languages, sometimes I can figure out the Greek from the French or vice versa.

My plan was a half a chapter a day with 21 chapters, so I started a day behind and three days late. At my present rate, I won't get past chapter 12 by Easter.

My step-daughter, Iolanthe, asked me if I would consider giving up sarcasm for Lent. I told her it would be easier for me to actually give up Food as the Lord did than to give up sarcasm. Either one would be beyond me!